By Tom Dwyer

As winter sets in, and the Hudson River starts to freeze, Hudson County residents dream of escaping to a tropical paradise.  But getting there can be a pain, especially if you need to change planes or go through customs.  That’s where Sanibel and Captiva Islands come in.  Just two-and-a-half hours on a direct flight from Newark Airport to Ft. Myers, Florida, located on the Gulf Coast, a pair of welcoming and enchanting American islands await you.   Rent a car at the Ft. Myers airport and it’s a quick and easy 30-minute drive to Sanibel and Captiva.   

The Islands

Local lore has it that rum-running pirates and CIA operatives once lived on these islands. But it’s the natural beauty and the gulf waters and its unique shell-covered beaches that make these islands magical. The residents have a deep love and respect for the wildlife and the land—from protecting the alligators on golf courses, to maintaining the renowned J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a 6,400 acre sanctuary that shelters 290 species of birds, 50 types of reptiles and at least 30 mammals.  www.fws.gov/dingdarling    In addition to its natural wonders and world-class sunsets, Sanibel and Captiva offer a variety of sophisticated but casual lodgings, restaurants and cultural events.  The islands attract visitors from Europe and Canada as well as most states across America, with New Jersey rating in the top five.   Continue reading TRAVEL-Sanibel & Captiva Islands….Beauty, Sophistication & Fun →